NASA, DOE: We’re Building a Fission Nuclear Reactor on the Moon
NASA and the Department of Energy are planning their next “giant leap”: building a fission nuclear energy reactor on the moon (Scientific American).
What’s going on: The agencies announced on Tuesday a joint commitment to construct a reactor “capable of operating ‘for years without the need to refuel,’ according to NASA. It will provide power for the agency’s Artemis program, which seeks to establish a long-term human presence on the moon—and eventually Mars.”
- While NASA has been exploring the possibility of moon power for years, the idea was given legs last month when President Trump issued an executive order to build “a lunar surface reactor ready for launch by 2030.”
- In August, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said NASA would prioritize the project, giving 2030 as the intended launch year, according to FOX Business.
- The agency requested proposals for the development of a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor, “enough to power about 80 homes.”
Fly us to the moon: The U.S. last sent a manned vehicle to the moon in 1972. This year, NASA is scheduled to launch a crewed mission, Artemis II, back into the lunar orbit for the first time in 53 years.
- “The lunar surface reactor would help power future missions to the moon by providing a continuous and plentiful power source, regardless of sunlight and temperature,” according to Scientific American.
Why it could be ideal: Lunar landers equipped with batteries and solar panels eventually run out of power, either because their batteries die or the moon turns on its axis, depriving the panels of sunlight.
- “Nuclear power may be an ideal fuel source in the sometimes dark, cold moon environment,” Scientific American reports.
The NAM’s take: “Access to reliable baseload energy is crucial to human progress, whether that’s on Earth or out among the stars,” said NAM Director of Energy and Resources Policy Michael Davin.
- “Nuclear is a no-brainer power source that will sustain humanity’s presence on the moon and will help power humans’ transit to and settlement of Mars.”